Machine for shaping matrices



L. H. BECHMAN.

MACHINE FOR SHAPING MATRICES.

APPLICATION- FILED AUG. 5. 1919- Patented Oct. 4, 1921.

2 S HEETSSHEET l.

L. H. BECHMAN.

MACHINE FOR SHAPING MATRICES.

APPLICATION man AUG.5. ms. 7 1,392,621 Patented Oct. 4, 1921.

' 2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

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LoUIsII. BECHMAN, or BATTLE CREEK, MICHIGAN, ASSIGNOR To DUPLEX PRINTINGPRESS ooMrANY, or BAT LE CREEK, MICHIGAN, A CORPORATION or MICHIGAN.

MACHINE rofa SHAPING MATRICES.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I,.LoUIs H. BEOHMAN,

I a citizen of the United States, residing at Battle Creek, in thecounty of Calhoun and State of Michigan, have invented certain new anduseful Improvements in Machines for Shaping Matrices; and I herebydeclare that the following is a full, clear, and exact descriptionthereof, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, which formpart of this specification.

This invention is a novel improvement" in means for shaping the matricesused in casting stereotype-plates and the like before the matrices areinserted in the casting boxes.

Primary objects of theinvention are to pro-- liminarily shape thematrix; and to partially dry and set the matrix.

Further objects are to so construct the form. around which the matrix isshaped that any steam developed by the heating of the matrix willreadily escape; and to so construct the flexible bending sheet as toprovide for the ready escape of steam or' moisture and at the same timeenhance the flexibility of thesheet; also to provide simultaneouslyshaped and heated to dry same if desired,.such apparatus being in,

- expensive in construction, durable, exceedplates.

ingly simple in operation, and producing I.

very valuable practical results.

I will explain the invention in connec-' tion with the accompanyingdrawings which illustrate practical embodiments thereof; and to enableothers to readily adapt and use the same. In the claims I havesummarizedtheessentials of the invention and the novel construction andcombination of parts, for all of which protection is desired.

In said drawings:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a complete apparatus for shaping tubularstereotype Specification of Letters. Patent.

f Application 'filed August 5, 1919. Serial No.-315,485.

Fig, 2 is an enlarged elevation of the upper part of suchapparatus,viewed at right angles to Fig. 1.

Fig; 3 is a top plan View of Fig. 2 show-' ing the shaping sheet openand a matrix inserted .1n position preparatory to being shaped.

. Fig. 4 is an enlarged detail transverse section of part of the form.

Fig. 5 is a front view of an apparatus for shaping semi-cylindric.stereotype plates.

Fig. 6 is a transverse sectional view on line 6-6, Fig. 5. Q

- The apparatus shown in Figs. 1 to 4 is especially constructed forshaping matrices used in casting tubular stereotype plates; and as showncomprises a cylindric form 1 which may be of cast metal and should be ofan external diameter approximately corresponding to the length or widthand curvature of the finished tubular stereotype plate; or of adiameter, plus. the thickness of the matrix, approximately correspondingto the.

internal diameter or curvature of the box in which the matrix is to beused in casting the plate. And this form should be slightly wider orlonger than the length or width of the matrix to be treated thereon. r

The form 1 is preferably hollow and may be supported on end in anysuitable manner, and is preferably arranged in a vertical position. Asshown it is mounted upon a stand or base 2; which may be of any suitableconstruction; and if desired the stand and form may be cast integral.

Each form has in its exterior surface a series of small parallel groovesor channels,

can readily escape through such channels.

These channels or ducts are preferably so close together and so narrowin width that; they Wlll not interfere with or prevent the propercurving of the matrix while at the same time they provide for the rapidescape of the hydrousvapors. It has been demon.- strated in practicethat such channels greatly facilitate the evaporation and drying of thematrix on the form.

a The form. may be heated by any suitable means. In the drawings a gasburner 5 is 7 indicated, located within the lower end of the form,andgas can be supplied to said burner by a pipe that may extend through thestand 2 and be connected to any suitable gas supply.

Cooperating with this form 1 is a flexible bending sheet 3, which is ofsufficient length to entirely surround the form, and approximatelycorresponds in width to the lengt of the form. r

The sheet 3 'is preferably made of resilient sheet steel and naturallytends to assume a straight or flat condition, when released. It

' provide for escape of moisture evaporated from the matrix in thedrying thereof, when" should-be'strong but sufficiently pliable to 7enable it to conform closely to the curved surface of the form and wraparound the same, as in Figs. 1 and 6. To facilitate bending of thesheet, to lighten it, and to clamped by the sheet against the form, thesheet is preferably provided with numerous small perforations, indicatedat 3, which maybe of. any suitable'diameter and spaced as desired.

One edge of this sheet isattached to the form. in any suitable mannerand the other end is free. In the example shown the attached end of thesheet is secured between two bars or strips 4, 4", which are attached tothe side of the form by bolts 4 or other suitable means. 1 The bar 4corresponds in thickness to a matrix, and-therefore'separates the end ofthe sheetfrom the periphery of the forma distance equal to the thicknessof the matrix. The bar 1 also forms a matrix stop, as it is fastened inposition to arrest the edge of a matrix M when inserted between thesheet and the form, as

indicated in Fig. 3. v V

The free end of the sheet 3 may be pro-' vidcd with a. handle 4: ofany-suitable construction by which it can be conveniently operated, andthis handle may be engaged by any suitable retaining device to hold thesheet in closed position. A catch 4 pivoted on the bar 4P is indicatedin the drawings.

As the sheet 3 is flexible and springy it would, unless restrained, fly.too far open when'disengaged from the retaining device or catch, and toprevent this and to hold about 90-degrees removed from the bar 4" inFigs. 13; and about 45 degrees removed from the bar 4* in the form shownin'Figs.

5 and 6. The

part 6? supports the lower edge of the sheet which slides thereon inopening and closing; and to facilitate the sliding movement of the edgeof the sheet 3 on the part 6, I preferably provide it with a shield 6,on which the sheet. can readily slide.

When the sheet 3 is'disengaged from the catch if it will by reason ofits natural resiliency spring open to the position shown in Figs. 2 and3, being supported by the shield 6 andarrested by contact of it's handle4 with the vertical part of the rod '6.

I do not consider the invention restricted to the particularconstruction shownfor supporting and holding the sheet3in position'whenopened. i

The apparatus shown matrices for semi-cylindric stereotype plates;

and the form 1 is correspondingly 'sha pedl.

The other parts are constructed substantially like the correspondingparts in'Figs.

1 to 4 and are correspondingly lettered. In this case, however, the hook4 is attached to a. stop bar 4 approximately diametrically opposite bar4.

When it is desired to prepare a matrix,

the flexible sheet 3 is opened, as indicated in Fig. 3; then thematrixis inserted between the sheet and form and its end alined against thebar 49, the matrix is readily in troduced edgewise between the sheet .3and the form and is guided into position by the curvature of the sheet.Then the sheet 3 is wrapped, or closed, around the form and matrix, asindicated in Figs. 1 and ,6, bring- Figs. 5' and 6 is more particularlyadapted for shaping ing the matrix easily around and closely] againstthe form and holding the matrix between the form and the sheet. 'In thisway the matrix is readily shaped to fit the curvature of the form. Byfastening the sheet by catch 4 the matrix can be held 'against the formfor any length of time desired. A. matrix may be shaped on the apparatusshown in Figs. 5 and '6'in like .manner. g V g The matrix may be whollyor partially dried and set while it is so held around the form, byheating the formyand such heated form will cause thematrix to rapidlydry and hardenas the moisture in the matrix evaporates and escapesrapidly through the channels l in the form and perforations 3 in' thesheet. 7

When it 1s des red to "remove the matrix the sheetis opened up and thematrix can be readily drawn off the form, as is obvious.

An'important practicaladvantage of my invention is the facility withwhich the matrices can be ba'cked when and where it is desirable to doso prior to shaping;

lVhen matrices are made from type matter having considerable blankspaces it is necessary to paste backing on the reverse side of the matsto support these blank portions against the pressure of the metal"matrix while flat and then dried on the matrix on a steam table with thematrix fiat. As airesult when the matrix was afterward curved into acasting box pieces of the backing would break: loose partially orentirely, and either fall off or get out of for use; and when suchshaped. and backed matrix is placed'i-n the casting boxes it is inperfect condition. This result has never before been accomplished withthe heretofore known matrix roasters or scorchers as they have neverprovided for the escape ofsteam and vapors, which provision enables verymoist matrices to beftreated in my shaper. r

; By thu perfecting the condition of the matrix and backing at oneoperation I obtain the proper depth for the plate where blank or whitespace is required, and obviate a'gre'at deal of therouting and chiselingout of such portions which has. hitherto been necessary on plates afterthey were cast from-a. flat dried matrix'because of the impossibility ofproperly backing up the matrix prior to drying with the means andmethods-of drying it heretofore in use, and

' because the backing will break away from a flat dried matrix when thelatter isicurved by inserting-it in a casting box.

Another great practical advantage of my matrix shaping and dryingapparatus is its 7 simplicity, which enables the matrix to be placedtherein, and shaped and dried very rapidly; the drying-being greatlyfacilitated by the channels in the form and the perfo-v rations in thesheet through which the evaporated steam or moisture readily escapes,andwhich channelsand perforations insure the desired uniform bone-dryhardness of the curved surfaces ofthe' matrix. NVith my apparatus amatrix can be rapidly and thoroughly dried outfin a very few moments andbe ready for immediate use when'removed therefrom; and my apparatus notonly performs the function of shaping the matrix but can also performthe functions of a matrix drying machine and matrix scorcher.

Claimsv1. Apparatus for shaping tereotype matrices comprising a curvedform having a multiple of small channels in thesurface against which thematrix is placed for the escape of steam or vapor exuded from the 7matrix, and means for bending a matrix around said form.

2. Apparatus for shaping and drying matrices forcasting stereotypeplates, comprising a curved form having a multiple of small channels inthe surface against which the matrix is placed for the escape of steamor vapor exuded from the matrix, means for bending a matrix around saidform, and means for heating the form.

3. Apparatus for shaping matrices for casting stereotype plates,comprising a curved form having a multiple of small channels in thesurface against which the matrix is placed for the escape of steam orvapor exuded from the matrix, a flexible sheet adapted to flex a matrixaround said form, and means for holding the sheet in wrapped position toretain the bent matrix in place.

4; In apparatus for shaping and drying stereotype matrices, thecombination of a tubular cylindric form having a multiple of parallelchannels in the surface against which the matrix is placed; a flexiblemetallic sheet adapted to curve a matrix around the form, means forfastening the sheet to the form, andmeans for heating the form when amatrix is wrapped between the sheet and the channeled surface of theform.

5. Apparatus for shaping stereotype matrices comprising a stationarycylindric form having a multiple of small channels in the surfaceagainst which the matrix is placed, and a flexible metallic sheet havingone end connected with the form and adapted to be wrapped around suchform to curve a matrix inserted between it and the channeled surface ofsaid form..

6. Apparatus for' shaping and drying matrices for casting stereotypeplates; comprising a stationary curved form having exterior parallelchannels, a flexible sheet having one end connected with the form andadapted to be wrapped around it to bend a matrix inserted between thesheet and form, means for heating the form, and mean for holding thesheet in wrapped position to retain the bent matrix in place. 7

7. In apparatus for shaping stereotype matrices, the combination of atubular cy lindric form, a flexible metallic sheet adapt ed to bewrapped around the form, means for fastening the sheet to the form, saidmeans forming a matrix stop adjacent the attached portion of the sheet,and means for detachably fastening the free end of the sheet to thematrix stop when a matrix is wrapped between the sheet and form.

said form.

' uded from the matrix, and a flexible perforated sheet for bending amatrix around 9. Apparatus for shaping matrices. for casting stereotypeplates, comprising a curved form having channels in the surface againstwhich the matrix is placed for the escape of steam or vapor exuded fromthe matrix, a flexible perforated sheet adapted to" flex a matrix aroundsaid form, and

[means for holding the sheet in wrapped position to retainthe'bent'matrix in place.

10. In combination a hollowcylindric tudinally thereof, a flexible sheetattached form, a Stand supporting this form' on end, a flexible sheetattached to and adapt-ed to be bent around the form to bend a matrixaroundit, and means for heatingthe form.

11. In combination a tubular cylindric form externally channeled, astand supporting said form in a vertical position, a bar attached to theform and extending longito the said bar and adapted to be closed aroundthe form to bend and hold a matrix thereagainst, and means for fasteningthe free end of the sheet when around the form.

12. In combination a cylindric tubular form, provided with parallellongitudinal channels on itsexterior, a flexible metallic sheet attachedto the outer side of the form and adapted to be bent around the form toshape the matrix thereagainst, means for fastening the free end of thesheet when around the form, a stand supporting the form, and means forinternally heating the form.

13. In combination a tubular cylindricr form exteriorly channeled, astand su port'- ing this form vertically on end, a flexible sheetattached to and adapted to be curved around the form to bend the matrixthereagainst and means for heating the form.

14. In combination a tubular cylindric form externally channeled, astand supporting said form in a vertical position, a bar attached to theform and extending longitudinally thereof, a flexible sheet attached tothe said bar and adapted to be curved around the form. to bring thematrix thereagainst, means for fastening'the free end of the sheet whenaround the form, and means for heating the form internally.-

15. In combinationa curved tubular form,

provided with parallel-longitudinal chan-" nels on its exterior, aflexible perforated metallic sheet attached to the outer side of Lanaithe form to shape the matrix thereagainst,

means for fastening the free'endiof the'p erforated sheet whenv wrappedaround the form, means supporting the form; and means for internallyheatin the form.

16. In combination a cy indric tubular form provided with parallellongitudinal channels in its exterior; a'bar attached to the outer sideof the form and extending longitudinally thereof, a flexible metallicsheet attached to the said bar andxadapted to be bent around the form toshape the matrix therea ainst, means for fastening the free end 0% theblanket when around the form, a stand supporting the form'in verticalposition, and means for internally heat ing the form.

17. Apparatus for shaping stereotype matrices comprising a curved formagainst which the matrix is placed, and a flexible resilient metallicsheet'connected with the form and adapted to be bent around such form tocurve a matrix inserted betweenit and the channeled surface of said formand means to arrest thesheet when released.

18. Apparatus for shaping and drying matrices for casting stereotypeplates, comprising a stationary curved form, a flexible resilientmetallic sheethaving one end connected with the form and-adapted tobewrapped around it to curve around the form, and sheet supporting andarresting devices connected with the form.

19. Apparatus for shaping and drying matrices for casting stereotypeplates; comprising a'stationary'form, a flexible resilient metal sheethaving one end connected with the form and adapted to be wrapped aroundit to bend a matrix inserted between the sheet and form, means forholding the sheet,

in wrapped positionto retain the bent matrix in place, and means forsupporting the sheet and limiting its separation from'the form whenreleased. r

20. In apparatus for shapingv stereotype 7 matrices, the combination ofaytubular cylindric form, .a' flexible vresilient metallic sheet adaptedto be wrapped around the form, means for fastening the sheet to theform, said, means forming a matrix stop adjacent the attached portion ofthe sheet,

means for detachably fastening the free end of the sheet to the matrixstop when a ma.- trix is wrapped between the sheet andform,

and meansv for supporting the sheet and I limiting its separation fromthe form when released.

In testimony, that I'claim the foregoing as my own, I aflix mysigInIat-ure. V V LOUIS BECHMAN

